Attachment having a module and an electronics atachment

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an arrangement having an electrical connection module and an electronics arrangement, particularly a printed circuit board arrangement, having an adapter as the electrical connection between the electrical connection module and the electronics arrangement, particularly the printed circuit board arrangement, the adapter having at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector extending in an extension direction and the at least one second connector extending at a predefined angle to the extension direction.

The present invention relates to an arrangement according to the generic part of Claim 1.

Production technology frequently uses various production resources to perform production tasks. The production resources are mostly controlled by means of control signals provided by a control PCB. For that purpose, control modules are assigned to the production resources for this purpose, wherein the control signals are interchanged between the control PCB and the control modules via a bus, for example. On the one hand, strict security requirements exist for control signal transmission, posing major challenges for the electrical and mechanical development of the connection means. On the other hand, changes in the production task frequently require resetting of the control modules. For that reason, there is a need for modules to have availability of connection systems that can be converted fast and easily.

The printed specification EP 1 520 330 B1 discloses for connecting such control modules with a control PCB a roughly L-shaped carrier, onto which the modules can be plugged with a swivel motion. The connection systems for the solution have a very complex design, and performing the swivel motion is difficult.

From other prior art it is known moreover to realize the connection by means of flexible leads, something that is rather costly and obscure.

The object of the invention is to create a space-saving and cost-effective arrangement with an electrical connection and/or control module and an electronics arrangement, in particular a printed circuit board arrangement, which meets the high security requirements, facilitates very fast and simple resetting of the connection and/or control module, and ensures durable operation of the connection and/or control module, particularly if subjected to high vibration loads and extreme temperatures.

This object is solved with the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the sub-claims.

An adapter is provided, which serves for connecting an electrical connection module, particularly with an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board arrangement. The adapter has at least one first connector and one second connector. The connectors are arranged in an adapter housing and are electrically connected to one another. This comprises both an embodiment in which the connectors are directly connected to one another as well as also an embodiment in which the adapter includes electrical components, for example a filter or similar that are arranged between the connectors.

In this context, the first connector extends in an extension direction. The adapter is characterized particularly in that the second connector is provided at a specified (that can preferably not be changed on the adapter) angle to the first connector.

It is furthermore preferred that the adapter has at least two second connectors, which are both arranged relative to one another and in addition are offset in terms of height.

The angle is preferably greater than 0°. In this context, for advantageous handling it is preferably 20°-70°, particularly preferably 30°-50°. It can however also have smaller or larger angular sizes. Moreover it is preferred that the extension direction is a vertical direction. As a result, the first and second connectors point downwards. This arrangement facilitates that the adapter can be slid from the top onto the printed circuit board and the connection board.

Preferably, the adapter has an adapter housing made of a rigid plastic so that it can be handled easily and safely. This particularly significantly simplifies the assembly that employs a solution using flexible cables according to the nature of DE 10 2010 046 990 B.

In the assembled state, the adapter preferably bears against/rests on the connection module.

In order to ensure the ventilation of the connection module, in one embodiment which solves this problem it is preferred that at least one vent or multiple vent slots is or are provided in the adapter housing, in particular for ventilation of the connection module.

This will prevent overheating of the connection module, if the adapter is fitted on the connection module.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or the second connector/s comprise/s two or more electrical contacts, at least partially. Particularly preferably, the adapter has four first connectors with two electrical contacts in each case. The electrical contacts are preferably designed as connectors that are insulated on both sides. In this embodiment, an 8-core connection is enabled by means of the first four connectors. The connectors can be connected with bus bars or be designed as the ends of bus bars.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a first adapter part and a second adapter part, wherein the first or the first connector/s are arranged on the first adapter part and the second or the second connector/s are arranged on the second adapter part. The adapter parts are preferably provided detachably from one another. It is particularly preferred if they can be plugged or slid into or on top of each other. It is particularly preferable, if the second adapter part can be plugged-in on top of the second adapter part. In this embodiment, the adapter parts can be handled independently of one another, or jointly.

In order to establish electrical connections between the first connector/s and the second connector/s, it is therefore preferred that one or multiple first electrical plug adapter/s are provided on the second adapter part, which can be connected to one or multiple first electrical mating adapters of the first adapter part. The first plug adapters are preferably arranged parallel to the second plug adapter/s. They therefore have the angle relative to the extension direction. In this embodiment, the adapter can be connected particularly easily, in that the first adapter part is handled independently from the second adapter part.

The first plug adapter and the second mating adapter are preferably designed as push-in connectors with a corresponding socket connection. For this purpose, both the first plug adapter can be designed as connector and the first mating adapter as socket connector, or vice versa. Instead of a push-in connector, which offers high contact stability and can be fitted very easily, moreover also another wiring technique is possible, for example a development of the first plug adapters and the first mating adapters as contact areas.

To even still further simplify the handling of the adapter, a handling device, preferably a lever, is provided, which makes it possible to lift the second adapter part out of a connection module, into which it is plugged-in.

This problem is furthermore solved with an arrangement with such an adapter, and an electrical connection module and a printed circuit board arrangement, in particular an electrical printed circuit board of the printed circuit board arrangement. The electrical printed circuit board preferably includes a bus bar. For this reason, the adapter is provided for the electrical connection of the electrical connection module with the bus bar. For this purpose it is preferred that the bus bar is designed as printed circuit board interface, which also includes an electrical circuit. In this embodiment, the bus bar is for example also connected by means of a cable with a control PCB, which can be arranged both inside the printed circuit board arrangement as well as also outside of the printed circuit board arrangement. The bus bar is preferably also provided as a multicore cable.

The printed circuit board arrangement preferably comprises multiple adjacently arranged slots, each of which are provided for the insertion of an electrical connection module.

Preferably, each of the slots are separated from their adjacent slots by a partition. Furthermore, a back panel is preferably provided in each slot. The partitions and the back panels facilitate that a connection module can be positioned in its slot.

For the electrical connection of the adapter particularly to the printed circuit board of the printed circuit board arrangement, preferably in each slot a first mating connector is provided, which is developed corresponding to the first connector of the adapter. Likewise, each connection module preferably comprises at least a second mating connector, which is designed corresponding to the second connector/s, in order to connect the adapter to the connection module. The connector and the mating connector are preferably developed as push-in connectors with a matching socket connector. For this purpose, both the first plug adapter can be developed as connector and the first mating adapter as socket connector, or vice versa. Instead of a push-in connector, which offers high contact stability and can be fitted very easily, moreover also another wiring technique is possible, for example developing the first plug adapters and the first mating adapters as contact areas.

In an alternative embodiment of the printed circuit board arrangement is likewise preferable that a first connector panel, in particular a plug-in section comprises a through-hole printed circuit board, for example, onto which the first connector/s can be connected. This embodiment has the advantage that the electrical connections of the printed circuit board arrangement, in particular the bus bar, are arranged in an interior space of the housing of the printed circuit board arrangement, and are therefore electrically insulated and/or are dust-protected and/or moisture repellent.

In order to secure the connection modules, it is preferred that the electronics arrangement, particularly printed circuit board arrangement, comprises a first mounting rail, onto which the connection modules can be mounted detachably side-by-side. For this purpose it is preferred that each connection module comprises an actuating means for detaching the connection module from the first mounting rail.

In a preferred embodiment, a connection bus is provided on the first mounting rail. The connection bus is preferably provided for the voltage supply of the connection modules. In addition, said connection bus likewise comprises preferably further signal leads for the connection modules.

In the assembled state, it is preferred that each time a connection module is arranged in a slot and is attached on the first mounting rail. In addition, the adapter is slipped onto the connection module and the printed circuit board arrangement. For this purpose, it preferably bears against the connection module. Likewise, the adapter is preferably arranged transverse to the printed circuit board and parallel to the electrical connection module. In this arrangement, the angle between the first and second connectors makes it difficult for the adapter to be intermittently disconnected by juddering. As a result, also the connectors cannot be dislodged from the mating adapters, so that the electrical contact is safely assured even when subjected to strong vibrations.

In the alternative embodiment, in which the printed circuit board arrangement includes the first connector panel, the connection module is preferably likewise secured on the first mounting rail. In addition, the adapter is preferably sapped onto the connection module and the first connector panel of the printed circuit board arrangement. For this purpose, it preferably bears against the connection module. This embodiment can be handled particularly easily, in that initially the first adapter part, preferably by fitting-on or by slipping-on in the extension direction onto the first connector panel, and subsequently the second adapter part, preferably by fitting-on or by slipping-on in a plug-in direction, which runs at an angle to the extension direction, is fitted onto the connection module and the first adapter part.

The vent in the adapter moreover prevents overheating of the connection module, even if the outside temperatures are high.

A method is also created for assembling an electrical connection module on an electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement, with the steps:

-   -   Locking the connection module onto the first mounting rail of         the electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board         arrangement,     -   Arranging the adapter on the electronics arrangement, in         particular printed circuit board arrangement, so that the first         connector is interlocked with the first mating connector of the         electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board         arrangement, and the second connector is interlocked with the         second mating connector of the electrical connection module,         until the adapter bears against the electrical connection         module.

The electrical connection will therefore be securely provided permanently by simple slip-on. For resetting, the adapter must merely be extracted opposite to the plug-in direction. This is also possible very quickly with the two-piece embodiment of the adapter by the simplified handling assisted by the lever. The connection module can subsequently be detached from the first mounting rail by means of the actuating means. Consequently, resetting can be done very fast and easily.

In the following, the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings by means of embodiments, as follows:

FIG. 1 (a)-(c) shows an adapter in two different side elevations and one rear elevation,

FIG. 2 (a) shows inserting the adapter into a connection module and in (b) shows the adapter connected to the connection module,

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement with the connection module, the adapter and a printed circuit board, in the assembled state,

FIG. 4 shows the second adapter part of a two-piece embodiment of the adapter, i.e. in (a) in a first perspective view, in (b) as a lateral view, in (c) it shows a plug-in side of the second adapter part, in (d) a rear of the second adapter part, in (e) a further lateral view, in (f) a further view of the rear, and in (g) a section A-A through the view (f),

FIG. 5 shows an arrangement from a connection module, a further embodiment of the electronics arrangement and the two-piece adapter of FIG. 4, i.e. in (a) as a perspective view, and in (b) to (d) respectively as lateral views,

FIG. 6 shows the second adapter part of a further two-piece embodiment of the adapter, i.e. in (a) in a first perspective view, in (b) as a lateral view, in (c) it shows a plug-in side of the second adapter part, in (d) a rear of the second adapter part, in (e) a second adapter housing part of the second adapter part as a perspective view, and in (f) the interior of the second adapter housing part,

FIG. 7 in (a) and in (b) shows an intermediate module that can be arranged between the second adapter part and the connection module, in (c) and (d) shows a further embodiment of the second adapter part, in (e) and (f) shows the second adapter part arranged on the intermediate module, in (g) shows an exploded view of the connection module, the intermediate module and the second adapter part, and in (h) shows the intermediate module mounted between the connection module and the second adapter part,

FIG. 8 shows an arrangement from the connection module, the intermediate module and the second adapter part of FIG. 7 (h) an the electronics arrangements from FIG. 5, i.e. as a perspective view, and in (b)-(d) respectively as lateral views, and

FIG. 9 shows a first embodiment of the first adapter part of FIG. 5 (a).

FIG. 1 shows an adapter 1 for connecting an electrical connection module 2 with an electronics arrangement, in particular a printed circuit board arrangement 3 with a printed circuit board or a pressed screen, for example. An electrical connection module 2 is a control module, for example, that is provided in the production technology for controlling a production means (not shown) assigned to it. An electrical electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3, preferably comprises a bus bar (not shown) that is provided with a control PCB (not shown) for controlling multiple of such connection modules 2 or production resources. Or also preferably, it includes such a control PCB.

The adapter 1 is provided for the secure electrical connection of the bus bar or the controlled PCB of the printed circuit board arrangement with the electrical connection module 2. It preferably carries signal leads 11, 12, but can also be developed for supply leads.

For connecting the adapter 1 to the printed circuit board 3 or to the bus bar of the electronics arrangement, in particular the printed circuit board arrangement 3, it comprises first connectors 11, which are designed as push-in connectors here. The first connectors 11 are arranged in two rows. In this adapter 1, a total of four first connectors 11 are provided, each of which have two double-sided insulated electrical contacts 111. As a result, in this case an 8-core connection by means of the first four connectors 11 can be realized.

Second connectors 12 are provided for connecting the adapter 1 to the connection module 2. The second connectors 12 are arranged in two rows that are reciprocally offset by a height offset Δh. The second connectors 12 moreover comprise an angle α relative to the first connectors 11.

The adapter 1 in an assembled state M extends into a vertical extension direction 41, so that the first and second connectors 11, 12 are arranged pointing downward.

The first and second connectors 11, 12 arranged in an adapter housing 14, which is preferably developed rigid and preferably consists of an insulating material (in particular a plastic). To facilitate ventilation of the connection module 2 in the assembly state M, a vent 13 is provided in the adapter housing 14.

FIG. 2 a shows arranging the adapter 1 on an adapter side 281 of an electrical connection module 2. On an adapter side 281 of the opposite connections side 282, two plug connections 26 are provided, which provide standard connectors 27 (see FIG. 3) to a user.

The electrical connection module 2 comprises second mating connectors 22 on the adapter side 281, which are arranged at the same angle α relative to the first connectors 11. The second mating connectors 22 are also arranged in two rows, which have the reciprocal height offset Δh. Since in this embodiment the adapter 1 extends in the vertical direction in the assembly state M, the angle α is an angle α relative to the vertical.

In this embodiment, the second mating connectors 22 are developed as socket connectors. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the second connectors 12 are developed as socket connectors and the second mating connectors 22 are developed as connectors.

It can be seen in this FIG. 2 a that the adapter 1 comprises eight single-pin second connectors 12. However, an embodiment is also conceivable, in which the second connectors 12, same as in the first connectors 11 of the adapter 1, comprise two electrical contacts (not shown) that are insulated from one another.

By moving the adapter 1 in a plug-in direction 43 which comprises the angle α relative to the vertical, the second connectors 12 can be plugged into the second mating connectors 22. The adapter 1 that is arranged on the connection module 2 is shown in FIG. 2. For this reason, FIG. 2 b shows the assembly state M, but without the printed circuit board 3.

For securing the connection module 2 onto an electronics arrangement comprising a printed circuit board, particularly printed circuit board arrangement 3 (see FIG. 3), latching means 24 are provided, with which the connection module can be locked non-detachably onto a first mounting rail 34 (see FIG. 3) of the electronics arrangement, particularly printed circuit board arrangement 3. In addition, an actuating means 25 for detaching the latching is provided, so that the connection module 2 can be detached again from the printed circuit board 3. The actuating means 25 is arranged on the connection side 282 of the connection module 2. Consequently it is easily accessible for an operator.

In order to provide adequate ventilation to the electronics of the connection module 2, cooling vents 23 are provided through which the cool air can flow in and warm air can flow out of the connection module 2. The adapter 1 bears against the connection module 2 in the assembled state M. In order to ensure continued cooling in this state M, the vent 13 is provided in the adapter 1 to facilitate the air exchange even if the adapter 1 is connected.

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement with the connection module 2, the electronics arrangement, in particular the printed circuit board arrangement 3 and the adapter 1. FIG. 3 also shows the assembly state M.

The adapter 1 and the connection module 2 here extend in the vertical direction, the printed circuit board 3 parallel to the horizontal.

On the electronics arrangement, in particular on the printed circuit board arrangement or on a pressed screen arrangement or suchlike 3, a first mounting rails 34 is arranged, which extends into a mounting rail direction 42. The mounting rail 34 is provided for securing multiple connection modules 2. In order to make it easier to position the connection modules 2 adjacently, the electronics arrangement, in particular the printed circuit board arrangement 3, also called backplane, comprises slots 33. The slots 33 are arranged adjacently in the mounting rail direction 42 and are separated from one another by partitions 32. In addition they comprise a back panel 321.

The first mounting rail 34 is developed hat-shaped and comprises two spaced-apart locking legs 341. In order to secure the connection modules 2 on the printed circuit board 3, the latching means 24 (see FIG. 2 b) of the connection modules 2 engage behind the locking legs 341.

In the embodiment of the arrangement shown here, an interspace between the locking legs 341 is used for a connection bus bar 35 that feeds a supply voltage and additional signals to the connection modules 2. For that purpose, the connection bus bar 35 has multiple conductor tracks 351, which pick off the connection modules 2 on their bottom surface 29.

In the slots 33, first mating connectors 31 are provided, onto which the first connectors 11 of the adapter 1 can be connected. Here, the first mating connectors 31 are developed as socket connectors. For this reason, the slots can be seen from the inside [sic].

In principle, an embodiment of the adapter 1 and the electronics arrangement, in particular the printed circuit board arrangement 3 is also conceivable, in which the first connectors 11 are developed as socket connectors and the first mating connectors 31 are developed as connectors.

The electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3 comprises a housing, preferably a card cage 36, in which the bus bar and/or the control PCB/printed circuit board are arranged. Since the first connectors 11 allow an 8-core connection here, the bus bar is preferably designed to be at least 8-core.

It can also be seen that the electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3, is arranged on a second, external mounting rail 44.

In order to connect the connection module 2 to the electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3, the connection module 2 is positioned in the slot 33 in this arrangement. After that it will be locked onto the first mounting rail 34, which is preferably produced separately to the card cage and is then locked to it.

The adapter 1 is subsequently slipped onto the arrangement. For this purpose, it is shifted downwards in the plug-in direction 43, here at an angle α relative to the vertical. In this context, the first and second connectors 11, 12 are inserted into the first mating connectors 31 of the electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3, and into the second mating connectors 22 of the connection module 2. For this purpose the adapter 1 is shifted in the plug-in direction until it bears against the connection module 2.

The adapter 1 is removed from the arrangement by moving it against the plug-in direction 43 during resetting. The connection module 2 can subsequently be lifted off the mounting rail 34, by activating the actuating means 25.

The adapter 1 permits a multicore bus connection for signal leads and optionally also supply leads to be made between the electronics arrangement, in particular printed circuit board arrangement 3, and the connection module 2. The adapter housing 14 protects the bus connection against dust, moisture and direct mechanical effects. Because of the angle α, at which the adapter 1 is slipped onto the connection module 2, the electrical connection is assured even during high vibration loads. In order to increase the reliability against being dislodged even more, it is conceivable to attach the adapter 1 additionally on the connection module 2, for example by locking.

At least one elastic element, in particular a spring element, can be provided between the at least one first connector 11 and the at least one second connector 12.

FIG. 4 in (a)-(g) shows a second adapter part 102 of a two-piece embodiment of the adapter 1. The second adapter part 101 is illustrated in FIG. 5 (a), for example.

On the second adapter part 102, the second connectors 12 are arranged, which are provided for connecting the adapter 1 to the connection module 2. The second connectors 12 are arranged in three rows here, which are reciprocally offset In terms of height. They moreover comprise the angle α relative to the extension direction 41, which is the vertical direction 4 here, into which the first connectors 11 extend.

Furthermore, on the second adapter part 102 first plug adapters 151 are provided, with which the second adapter part 102 can be electrically connected with the first mating adapters 152 (see FIG. 9) onto the first adapter part 101. The first plug adapters 151 also extend at an angle α relative to the vertical direction 4.

Fitting-on the second adapter part 102 is particularly easy by moving the second adapter part 102 in the plug-indirection 43 at an angle α relative to the vertical direction 4.

The second part 102, is arranged in a second adapter housing 142, which is preferably developed rigid and preferably consists of an insulating material (in particular a plastic). To facilitate ventilation of the connection module 2 in the assembly state M, vents 131 are provided in the adapter housing 142.

The second adapter housing part 142 is developed as a frame part here, into which the adapter interior member 1421 can be latched. For this purpose, latching means 1423 are provided with which the adapter interior member 1421 can be latched in the second adapter housing part 142.

A disassembly of the second adapter part 102 is still simplified additionally, in that a handling device 16 is provided on the second adapter part 102. The handling device 16 is developed as a lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis 45 in a pivot direction. The terms handling device 16 and lever are used synonymously in the following.

The lever 16 comprises a first limb 161 and a second limb 162, which are connected to one another by a crosslimb 160. The crosslimb 163 forms a grip component. The lever 16 is arranged on the second adapter part 102 such that it encompasses same. In each case, a contour 163 is provided on both limbs 161, 162 that interacts with a counter contour 221 (see FIG. 5 (d)) on the connection module 2. On the adapter 1 arranged on the connection module 2, the contour 163 unwinds on the counter contour 221 in the pivot direction 46 when the lever 16 is pivoted, such that the second adapter part 102 is shifted against the plug-in direction 43, as a result of which it is lifted out of the connection module 2.

An attachment means 17 can be seen in FIG. 4 (b), with which the second adapter part 102 can be mounted onto the first adapter part 101. This is developed as a snap hook here. The terms handling device 17 and snap hook are used synonymously in the following. FIG. 4 (c) shows a plug-in side 47 of the second adapter part 102, FIG. 4 (d) shows a rear 48 of the second adapter part 102. In the cross-section of FIG. 4 (g) it can be seen that the second connectors 12 and the first plug adapters 151 are developed as spring-loaded clamps 151.

FIG. 5 (a) shows the arrangement of the adapter 1 on the adapter side 281 of an electrical connection module 2 and on a further embodiment of the electronics module 3. Plug connections 26 are provided on the connection side 282 opposite the adapter side 281 also with this connection module 2. The mating connectors 22 of the connection module 2 are not visible here. However, they extend in the same manner as in the embodiments of FIG. 2 (a) at an angle α relative to the extension direction 41.

The electronics module 3 is also developed as a printed circuit board arrangement in this embodiment. This embodiment differentiates from the one in FIG. 3 however in that the first connectors 11, which are arranged on the first adapter part 101, are inserted into plug-in connections 3711 of a first connector panel 371. This electronics module 3 moreover has a second connector panel 372 for other/additional assemblies and modules (not shown).

In the lateral view of FIG. 5 (b), the rear of the adapter 1 is visible; the lateral view of FIG. 5 (c) shows the front end 20 of the connection module 2.

In the lateral view of FIG. 5 (d), the contour 163 of the adapter 16 and the counter contour 221 of the connection module 2 are represented.

The second adapter part 102 of FIG. 6 shows only a row of second connectors 12 that are arranged at the same height. As a result, a multitude of vent slots 131 can be arranged on the plug-in side 47 of the second adapter part 102, through which the connection module 2 can be ventilated particularly well. This is shown in FIGS. 6 (c) and (d), wherein FIG. 6 (c) shows the plug-in side 47 and FIG. 6 (d) shows the rear 48 of the second adapter part 102.

FIGS. 6 (e) and (f) show the second adapter housing part 142 that is developed as a frame part without the adapter interior member 1421, so that an interior 1420 of the second adapter housing part 142 can be seen. As a result, the insulation or screening means 1424 that are developed as contact studs are visible which extend into the interior 1420.

FIG. 7 (a) shows an intermediate module 21, with which a distance A between the connection module 2 and the second adapter part 101 (see FIG. 8 (a)) can be changed, and that in addition to or alternatively to changing the plug-in direction and/or interconnection can be used for arranging additional electronics. The distance A is determined by a width of the intermediate module 21. By changing the distance A between the connection module 2 and the second adapter part 102, other plug-in connections 3711 of the first connection bus 371 are contacted.

For this purpose, the intermediate module 21 has one or multiple second mating adapters 212, into which the second connectors 12 of the second adapter module 102 can be inserted. The second mating adapters 212 are electrically connected with second intermediate contacts 213, which extend at an angle that is 90° here to the second connectors 12 and which can be electrically connected to the second connectors 22 of the connection module 2.

The FIGS. 7 (a) and (b) show the intermediate module 21 with the second mating connectors 212 that are developed as socket connectors here and the second intermediate contacts 213 that are developed as contact plates here, as a perspective view and a lateral view. The FIGS. 7 (c) and (d) show the second adapter part 102 as a perspective view and a lateral view. The FIGS. 7 (e) and (f) show a perspective and a lateral view of the intermediate module 21 that is arranged on the second adapter part 102. FIG. 7 (h) shows the connection module 2, the intermediate module 21, and the second adapter part 102 as an exploded view. And FIG. 7 (h) shows a perspective view of an assembled arrangement of the intermediate module 21 with the second adapter part 102 on the connection module 2.

FIG. 8 show the arrangement of the FIG. 7 (g) on the electronics arrangement/backplane 3. With this embodiment other plug-in connections/bus lines of the electronics arrangement/backplane 3 are contacted, due to the changed distance A because of the intermediate module 21.

Here too, FIG. 8 (c) shows a lateral view, in which the rear 48 of adapter 1 is visible, and FIG. 8 (d) shows a lateral view, in which the front end of the connection module 2 is visible. FIG. 8 (b) shows how the second adapter part 102 is attached on the first adapter part 101 by means of the snap hook 17.

FIG. 9 shows the first adapter part of FIG. 5 (a). It presents the first mating adapters 152, which are provided for contacting the first plug adapters 151 of the second adapter part 102. Here, these are developed as socket connectors. In addition, it presents the first connectors 11, which contact the plug-in connections/bus lines of the electronics arrangement/backplane 3.

The number, arrangement and development as socket connectors and/or connectors of the first and second connectors 11, 12 and mating connectors 31, 22 as well as the first and second plug adapters 151, 212 and mating connectors 152 or intermediate contexts 213 can be changed depending on the switching operation to be realized.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Adapter -   101 First adapter part -   102 Second adapter part -   11 First connector -   111 Electric contact -   12 Second connector -   13 Vent -   131 Vent slot -   14 Adapter housing -   141 First adapter housing part -   142 Second adapter housing part -   1420 Interior -   1421 Adapter interior member -   1423 Latching means -   1424 Insulation/screening means -   151 First plug adapter -   152 First mating adapter -   16 Handling device, lever -   160 Crosslimb, gripping member -   161 First limb -   162 Second limb -   162 Contour -   17 Attachment means, snap hook -   2 Connection module, control module -   20 Front end -   21 Intermediate module -   212 Second plug adapter -   213 Second intermediate contact -   22 Second mating connector -   221 Counter contour -   23 Cooling vents -   24 Latching means -   25 Actuating means -   26 Plug-in connection -   27 Standard connector -   281 Adapter side -   282 Connection side -   29 Connection module bottom -   3 Electronics arrangement, particularly printed circuit board     arrangement, backplane -   31 First mating connector, plug-in slot -   32 Partition -   321 Back panel -   33 Slot -   34 First mounting rail -   341 Locking leg -   35 Connection bus bar -   351 Conductor tracks -   36 Card cage -   371 First connector panel -   372 Second connector panel -   38 Latching means -   4 Vertical direction -   41 Extension direction -   42 Rail direction -   43 Plug-in direction -   44 Second mounting rail -   45 Pivot axis -   46 Pivot direction -   47 Plug-in side -   48 Rear -   Δh Height difference -   α Angle -   M Assembly state -   A Distance 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. A connector arrangement for electrically connecting an electronics module with a printed circuit board assembly, comprising: (a) a horizontal general-planar printed circuit board assembly (3) including at least one upwardly directed first contact (31; 3711); (b) a vertical generally-rectangular electronics module (2) mounted on said printed circuit board assembly, said electronics module having a first end (281) provided with at least one generally upwardly directed second contact (22); and (c) adapter means (1) mounted on said electronics module first end for electrically connecting together said printed circuit board and said electronics module, said adapter means including a rigid housing (14) formed of insulating material, said housing containing at least one generally vertical conductor (C) having: (1) a lower end connected by a vertical lower terminal (11) with said printed circuit board assembly first contact; and (2) an upper end connected by an upper terminal (12) with said electronics module second contact, said adapter upper terminal and said electronics module second contact each being inclined by an acute angle (α) relative to the vertical.
 26. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 25, and further including: (d) module mounting rail means (34) for mounting said electronic module on said printed circuit board assembly.
 27. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 27, and further including: (e) bus bar means (35) arranged in said electronics mounting rail for supplying electrical energy to each first contact (31) on said printed circuit board assembly.
 28. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 27, and further including: (f) partition means (32) defining a plurality of slots (33) on the upper surface of said printed circuit board assembly for arranging a plurality of said electronic modules in side-by-side relation on said module mounting rail.
 29. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 28, wherein a plurality of said first contacts (31) are arranged in the bottom portions of said slots (33), respectively.
 30. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 25, wherein said adapter means includes at least two vertically-spaced rows of said second terminals (12) arranged for engagement with corresponding contacts on said electronics module.
 31. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 25, wherein adjacent surfaces of said adapter means housing and said electronics module contain opposed heat vents (13, 23).
 32. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 26, and further including: (e) latch means (24) for fastening said electronics module to said module mounting rail; and (f) release means (25) for releasing said latch means, thereby to permit removal of said module from said module mounting rail.
 33. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 26, wherein said adapter means is sectional and includes: (1) a lower section (101) carrying a lower section (CO of said conductor means and said lower terminals (11); (2) an upper section (102) carrying said upper terminals (12) and an upper section (C₂) of said conductor means; and (3) lower intermediate terminals (152) and upper intermediate terminals (151) connecting together the upper and lower ends of said lower and upper conductor sections, respectively, said lower and upper intermediate terminals being oriented at said acute angel (α) relative to the vertical.
 34. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 33, wherein each of said upper terminals (12) and said upper intermediate terminals (151) comprises a male terminal including a pair of resilient contacts.
 35. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 33, wherein said adapter housing upper section is generally L-shaped, thereby defining a generally-vertical upper portion and a generally horizontal lower portion.
 36. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 35, wherein said housing upper section carries a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of said upper terminals (12).
 37. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 35, wherein said upper housing section contains a single horizontal row of said upper terminals (12).
 38. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 35, and further including: (4) release lever means (16) pivotally connected with the upper end of said housing upper section, said release lever means being operable to cooperate with said electronics module to release said adapter upper housing section from said module.
 39. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 33, wherein said adapter means further includes: (4) an auxiliary adapter section (21) connected between said adapter upper section and said electronics module, thereby to vary the distance (A) between said lower adapter section and said mounting rail, said auxiliary adapter section having first auxiliary terminals (212) connected with said second terminal (12), and second auxiliary terminals (213) connected with said module second contacts (22).
 40. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 25, wherein said acute angle (α) is between 20° and 70°.
 41. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 40, wherein said acute angle (α) is between 30° and 50°.
 42. A connection arrangement as defined in claim 26, and further including main mounting rail means (44) adapted for mounting said PCB arrangement on a fixed support. 